We were meeting some friends at Fforest Fields camp site on Friday but decided to arrive on Thursday so we could have a good look around and enjoy the wonderful Welsh countryside. All went to plan except for the weather, but wind and rain can’t stop the smiles and fun with Tallulah!!

The rolling hills of mid-Wales

After a stop-over in Cheltenham and a quick re-stock of supplies, we headed NW and crossed the border into Wales near Kington and arrived on site at around 4pm. We received a very warm welcome and were shown to an all-weather pitch – the weather was due to be soggy – with space around it where our friends could pitch their tents.

After sorting ourselves out, leveling Tallulah and plugging her in, we went for a wander in the beautiful surroundings before the wet and windy conditions arrived – expected early evening. As it happened, the rain never really came to much, but it was more than made up for by VERY strong winds. Luckily, our sun canopy had been kept tucked away in it’s bag, but we also opted to lower Tallulah’s roof in the interests of a decent nights sleep.

Feeding time

In the morning we made our normal bacon and eggs breakfast and after a quick tidy up and shower etc we set out on another exploration adventure, this time heading along a marked trail toward the all important ‘pub’. It was a around a mile away cross-country, but we were in no hurry, taking time to explore along the route.

A top-up of fluids in the pub and a chat to the landlord before heading back to the site, just in time for the first of our friends to arrive. The rest of the afternoon and evening was taken up with pitching tents, cooking a meal for 15 and preparing for the following days BIG adventure.

Saturday morning greeted us with brilliant sunshine, and just as well given what some of our friends were about to put themselves through! They were running as a 3 man team in the annual Man vs Horse race in Llanwrtyd Wells, a mere 22 miles cross-country against 300 or so other teams or runners and 50+ horses!

Man vs Horse 2012

Our team finished a very respectable 102nd in around 3 hrs 20 mins and the race was won by a horse. You might think this was to be expected, especially given the heavy going conditions, but the fastest human runner at this years event actually won outright, beating all other humans and horses back in 2004.

After a well deserved rest and some refreshments we all headed back to the site for another group camping meal and enjoyed the evening sun and a few games with the kids.

The following morning was simply a case of packing everything up and heading out on the long, but very enjoyable drive back to Berkshire.

Tallulah enjoying the evening sun

A great few days, despite the weather, and an amazing experience to watch man and horse doing battle. A great camp site too, with lots of space and things to do as well as great facilities. There’s a better than average chance we will be back at the same time next year!